In a solar system unlike any other where the sun did not burn as a blazing sphere but existed as a colossal rectangular prism of searing gold, drifted a world so vast, so immense, it was easily a hundred times the size of Earth.
Because its sun resembled a lantern, it was called the Great Lantern World.
The Great Lantern World was entirely owned by humans. However, over a hundred years ago, that wasn't the case.
In this world, there was a vast plateau rising nearly 5,000 feet above the surrounding plains. Its circumference stretched for about 300 miles, making it roughly 100 miles across.
A vast and flourishing city was situated atop this plateau.
This city was born not from luxury or ambition, but from necessity and desperation. Thus, it was aptly called Havenhold, and it was home to many people.
It was part of the Heavenly Moon Empire. Every inch of the Great Lantern World was owned by this one empire.
How that happened was a tale being told by a young man in the Jade Phoenix Pavilion, the most famous brothel in all of Havenhold City.
It was packed with people every night.
Today was no exception.
People from all walks of life had gathered there to enjoy fine wine and even finer beauties, indulging in a night of pleasure.
It was one of those places that didn't care about one's background or appearance, as long as one had money and obediently followed the rules of the establishment, they would be allowed inside to have a good time.
Breaking the rules meant getting thrown out and blacklisted, a humiliation that would follow them for life.
No matter which city these individuals went to, the branch of the Jade Phoenix Pavilion there wouldn't accept their patronage.
The Jade Phoenix Pavilion was one of the top five brothels in the entire Great Lantern World.
One could find its branches in every major city of the Heavenly Moon Empire.
It was most famous for its quality service.
The courtesans of this establishment lacked neither beauty nor talent.
With silky smooth skin, red lips, and seductive eyes, each one was as stunning as a finely carved jade.
They were dressed in revealing clothes that showed just enough skin to tempt wandering eyes, their presence was akin to a devil's whisper, seducing even the strongest of minds into cooking up deranged thoughts.
If not for the strict rule that they could not be forced, if one wished to sleep with them, one must first earn their consent, the rich men, and even the wealthy women with special tastes, who were gathered in the Jade Phoenix Pavillion would've already pounced on them, ravaging them like beasts in heat.
The beauties of this establishment were proficient in at least one of the Four Arts, zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
And when it came to bedroom skills, their reputation was second to none.
With just their mouths, they could suck a man's ball dry and push him deep into the sea of carnal pleasure.
Not a single prostitute within a thousand-mile radius could hold a candle to the courtesans of the Jade Phoenix Pavilion.
A special event was being held.
Leila, the most desired courtesan of the Jade Phoenix Pavilion, had finally come of age.
Her first time would be awarded to the person who could tell the most exciting rendition of their history tonight.
The young man had every intention of winning this contest.
Taking her virginity was the key to unlocking the various features offered by his system!
The young man was Ken.
Originally from Earth, he died saving a tender life from the reckless driving of a drunk bastard. Ever since then, he had been trapped in the world of his favorite novel, "Immortal Demons and Warring Gods."
In that novel, there was a character who lost his birthright because he wasn't talented enough to pursue the martial path.
He was around 6 feet tall, had a glib tongue, a sharp memory, an attractive face, a combination many desired but few were blessed with.
But that wasn't enough to protect his right or life.
He died young!
Ken had become such a character.
He had become Kennedy Blackmont!
In the war fought against the invaders over a hundred years ago, the Blackmont clan had contributed a lot.
Consequently, they were elevated to the status of nobles after the foundation of the Heavenly Moon Empire.
Over the years, the Blackmont noble clan had grown to become one of the three strongest clans in all of HeavenHold City, so it wasn't to be underestimated.
The head of the clan had sired 13 children.
Kennedy Blackmont was one of them.
Ken had somehow possessed his body after dying in his previous life!
Soon, the talent evaluation would take place.
He would be revealed to be a trash. He would lose the support of his father, who only valued talent.
With that backing gone, those who saw him as a thorn in their side would aim for his life.
He would be plotted against, accused of crimes he didn't commit, and meet an unjust death.
Ken had received another chance at life. He had no intention of going down without a fight. He wanted to survive what was to come.
His best bet was to rely on his system, which had issued a quest the moment he received it.
— Gain access to Status Screen
— Gain access to Inventory
— Gain 10× Fate-Altering Points
— Gain 1× basic Hunting Knife
— Unlock Tutorial Quest 2